You may be familiar with dental sealants for children and the benefits to their teeth. However, have you ever wondered if you could get the sealants on your permanent teeth? Indeed, adults can get dental sealants in Livingstone. Read on to learn about dental sealants for adults.
Dental sealants are preventive dentistry treatments that help fight against cavities. Sealants work best on front teeth with cracks, molars, and premolars. They are made of glass ionomers or resin, which may be transparent or white, making them unnoticeable.
Sealants consist of a transparent or tooth-colored liquid painted on teeth surfaces. The fluid flows into the tiny grooves and bits on the chewing or biting surfaces of teeth, filling them up. Then, it dries up to form a thin barrier against harmful bacteria and plaque. Sealants protect teeth and gums from the effects of plaque. These include enamel erosion, decay, cavities, and gum infections.
Yes, adults can get sealants. Sealants are usually recommended for kids during the cavity-prone years of 6-14. Kids at this age love to snack on sugary things and can hardly maintain proper oral hygiene. The sealants help prevent plaque and acids from reaching the teeth and causing issues. Although adults can maintain good oral hygiene, they too can benefit from sealants.
Permanent teeth also contain pits and grooves that make them prone to cavities. They are much deeper due to the wear and tear associated with chewing over the years. The dentist recommends getting dental sealants in Livingstone to fill the pits and grooves. Therefore, the teeth will be protected from the effects of plaque.
Adults who suffer from bruxism can benefit significantly from sealants. When you have bruxism, you clench your jaw and grind the teeth, frequently damaging the enamel. This exposes the dentine leading to sensitive teeth and greater chances of infected tooth roots. The sealants coat the tooth, preventing plaque from damaging the tooth further.
Adults who use various medications may suffer from a condition that inhibits saliva production, named dry mouth. Your saliva is important since it helps eliminate food particles and acids that may form plaque. When you have inadequate saliva, your risk of cavities and gum disease increases significantly. Sealants will act as a barrier between your teeth and the harmful plaque.
Sealants are beneficial to adults undergoing orthodontics. Orthodontic treatment involves using appliances that gently move teeth to their proper positions. Unfortunately, some devices like conventional braces cannot be removed when cleaning the teeth. Therefore, you will miss some spots leaving plaque to build up.
The dentists at the cosmetic dentistry in Livingstone, NJ, recommend sealants during orthodontics. They apply dental sealants on the teeth before fixing the appliances. Therefore, your teeth will be protected from the harmful effects of plaque.
Disabled or aged adults may be unable to maintain proper oral hygiene. Some may have issues with their hands that prevent them from cleaning their teeth properly. Others may forget to brush and floss regularly due to dementia. Such adults may not always have someone to help them cleanse their teeth, but sealants can benefit them.
The dentist may also recommend dental sealants for adults as part of their cavity treatment. If you have a small cavity, the dentist will reverse and stop its progression. First, the expert will apply fluoride varnish on the teeth to promote remineralization. Then they will paint the sealant on your teeth to prevent further decay.
The process of applying this protective coat on teeth is straightforward and painless:
Contact us at Livingstone Dental Group for dental sealant application or repair of dental sealants.
